Method and material for cleaning optical surfaces

ABSTRACT

A new and novel method for cleaning optical surfaces by incorporating a textile made from activated carbon fibers as previously used for air filtration in industrial applications and neuclear-biological-chemical environments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of provisional patent No. 61/744,901 filed 5 Nov. 2012.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1) This invention relates to the cleaning of optical surfaces in order to maintain clarity. These surfaces include (but are not limited to) display screens of cell phones, tablet computers, and digital cameras; as well as optical glass such as prescription glasses and camera lenses.

2) State of Technology

a) Current methods include wiping with fabric made of common textile (polyester, cotton etc) with or without solvents. Wiping with common textiles relies on the process of absorption to which organic oils, such as body oils from the face and hands, are not particularly prone. The addition of solvents introduces the risk of liquid damage and makes the process more cumbersome and time consuming. Wet cleaning typically also requires some form of follow-up dry cleaning method for optimal clarity.

b) Current methods also include the use of activated carbon “dust” coated on a felt pad (i.e. LensPen products). These products rely on the process of adsorption to which organic oils are particularly prone. However, this method results in a low exposure of activated carbon and requires replenishing the activated carbon dust as it is consumed and lost/redistributed. It also requires a source of the activated carbon dust used in replenishing. This is typically a reservoir (impregnated sponge) in some type of cover or lid, which makes the product, and it's use more cumbersome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1) The invention makes use of a textile woven or knitted entirely from activated carbon fibers which is bonded to another material in order to increase durability and usability. These activated carbon fiber textiles are in use as industrial air filters and chemical (NBC) suits.

2) By incorporating activated carbon fiber textiles into the process this invention removes the necessity for solvents by taking advantage of the absorptive process. It also eliminates the requirement for a replenishing reservoir and presents a very high active surface area to the contaminants.

VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION

1) A method and material for cleaning optical surfaces wherein a textile woven or knitted entirely from activated carbon fibers which is bonded to another material in order to increase durability and usability while leaving the active material exposed.

2) The activated carbon textile is bonded to another textile resulting in a cleaning cloth used in a manner consistent with any other cleaning cloth (i.e. wiping or rubbing)

3) The activated carbon textile may be bonded to a formed support in order to match the contours of the surface being cleaned.

4) The adsorptive process is a molecular interaction wherein the organic contaminants (i.e. body oils) are attached to the activated carbon and cannot be removed thru ordinary methods. 

The invention claimed is: 1) A method and material for cleaning optical surfaces which: 2) Presents a larger quantity and active surface area of activated carbon to the contaminants maximizing the adsorptive process. 3) The invention presents a larger thickness of activated carbon which results in the contaminates being pulled into the textile by the adsorptive process so as to prevent redistribution. 4) The invention eliminates the requirement for replenishment since the material itself is made of activated carbon. 